VIIn the first quarter of 2025, two successful rewilding activities were conducted, marking significant progress in efforts to rehabilitate and return rescued animals to their natural habitat.
On February 21, 2025, the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation, Animal Rescue, and Forest Protection Management Center, in collaboration with Chu Yang Sin National Park and the Krong Bông District Forest Protection Department, released 13 rescued wildlife individuals back into the wild. Among them was a Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), one of the world’s most trafficked mammals due to high demand for its scales and meat. Despite its protection under international and Vietnamese law, pangolin populations continue to decline due to poaching and habitat loss. Other released animals included macaques, reticulated pythons, and several species of turtles.
Most recently, on March 4, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department, in coordination with Chu Yang Sin National Park, successfully released 42 wildlife individuals from 11 species. This included another Java pangolin, a leopard cat, multiple species of turtles, and large reptiles such as water monitor lizards and Burmese pythons. Notably, many of these animals were voluntarily handed over by local residents, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment to wildlife conservation.
As a conservation partner of Chu Yang Sin National Park, WildAct actively supports rescue and release efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote community engagement in protecting Vietnam’s biodiversity. These successful releases highlight the importance of collaboration between local authorities, conservation organizations, and the public in reducing wildlife consumption and restoring endangered species to their natural environment.